Hi, I’m Frankie– the founder of both Dogs of Tucson and Working for Wags. I’m also the host of a new podcast, Wag.Wander.Repeat.! Today, I’m sharing my expertise from my latest podcast episode, all about traveling with your pup. This year, one of your goals may be traveling with your dog, and whether it’s the first time or the hundredth, I’d love to give you my best tips for making the process easier and more comfortable for both of you.

Now, my most recent experiences with traveling with a pup are from taking my youngest dog Macy on car rides for vacations away, so you may notice that many of my tips are focused on roadtrips. HOWEVER, some of these tips can be great no matter what method of travel you use!

1. Let’s get started with one of the necessities: always keeping water on you.

One of the best ways you can ensure you’re meeting your dog’s needs while you’re traveling anywhere is by ensuring you’re always carrying water. Your dog will need access to clean water throughout the day, just like at home, so the best way to ensure they’ll have this while you’re on the move is by always having some on you. I personally always have a bottle of water on me while I’m out with any of my dogs.

On roadtrips, we keep a waterbowl in the truck to make sure we’ll have it with us no matter where we go. I also use a Wilderness Dog fanny pack to carry water and other things for Macy, like her collapsible water bowl. They also make dog backpacks, so she of course also her own, so she could also carry it when needed.

2. Moving along, another main need your dog will have is food!

To start with – I recommend that you NEVER randomly switch your dogs’ food up, especially when traveling, when their stomachs may already get weird from stress, uncertainty, and a change of schedule. Instead, pack their normal food to come with or make sure you have a way to buy it once there. Now, this also includes snacks– now isn’t a good time to try new treats! Try to limit any new treats, instead focusing on bringing along treats that they’re already used to back at home. This will help limit stomach irritation, which as I already mentioned, can be a problem during traveling with your pup. My girl Macy used to actually get carsick during our adventures, and while she eventually grew out of that, that made me especially conscious of ways to help soothe their tummies while we’re on the road.

3. That’s why I’d also like to focus on tummy troubles!

When traveling with your dog, they’re often experiencing a lot of new things within a small period of time. This change from their normal schedule is enough to affect their tummies on its own, but add the uncertainty of new places, people, and more, and your dog may be likely to have stomach irritation. This can include anything from runny poop to carsickness or getting backed up. That’s why I recommend bringing something to soothe their stomachs along with you.

Talk to your vet for the best suggestions for your individual dog, but we usually bring canned pumpkin with us to help. Pumpkin is rich in fiber, so it can help regulate their need to go poo and what it’s like. If you find your dog is being nervous about going pee or poo along your journey, make sure to give them a longer walk around. Walking can help them get used to their surroundings as well as encourage their need to go. On car trips, we like to go walk through the grass by gas stations and rest stops– not only because this is closer to a normal yard space, but because other dogs and animals may have relieved themselves here, which can also encourage your dog to go.

4. It’s also important to bring items they’re familiar with along, because this will help get them comfortable in new places.

You’ll likely already have their leash, food, and snacks along with you, but just like humans have sentimental items, dogs do, too. Try to make some space to pack at least a toy or blanket they regularly use and enjoy. If you have more space, like in a car, you could even bring their bed and crate along! Trust me when I say I know how important this can be.

On our first road trip with Macy, we had a long first night in that hotel room. She was pacing around back and forth without being able to calm down until we had the idea to go get her blanket from the car. After we laid it on the bed, she hopped right up and settled down for the night. Small familiar items can make a big difference!

5. You can also create a routine or certain habits that help keep your dog comfortable.

This might be as easy as trying to stick to their normal food and bedtime schedule, but starting new habits can also help! For instance, we also bring peanut butter flavored bubbles with us because Macy loves them. So, after a long day of vacation activities, we usually take them out in the hotel room and play with them for a while before bed.

You can also choose more activities that can include your dog– like picking restaurants with dog friendly patios. We like checking Bring Fido for dog friendly spots to enjoy. When we’re making stops in the car, we’ll also ensure one of us always stays with her. This is not only for her safety in the car, but also for her comfort!

6. Speaking of travel safety, remember that that needs to be a number one priority for your pup during your journey.

As pet parents, this probably comes as no surprise to you. We love our fur babies and we all want to see them safe and happy. However, what you might not remember before your trip is to think about the logistics of their safety during your trip.

For instance, if your pup will be coming along with you in the car, consider what safety precautions you might want to take to prepare the car for them. This also includes steps like ensuring you have a leash within easy access. Personally, I always bring Macy’s training collar along with us, so she knows to be mindful when we’re getting out of the car, ready to listen and focus on my cues.

Something else to be mindful of is that traveling usually includes a lot of walking– and whether in public spaces or out on the sidewalks, you’ll want to protect your pup’s feet. Cities can have debris, dirt, and more around in areas and keeping your dog’s feet covered can be really helpful to avoiding it! This is also important anytime it’s above 80 degrees out, because sidewalks can be too hot for dogs to safely walk on. We bring Macy’s socks everywhere with us!

Thanks for reading my input! If you’d like to hear more paw parent tips, about my experience, or wholesome stories, listen in to Wag, Wander, Repeat. on YouTube! Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns. I’d love to help answer your questions, so please feel free to leave me any of your thoughts in the comments on my latest video.